Masuk3rd Person's POVThe memories came without mercy, crashing into Bridget one after another, leaving her no room to breathe. The handsome face before her blurred, dissolved, and was replaced by that moment she had tried so desperately to forget. She saw it all again as if through a spectator’s eyes, watching herself relive the worst moment of her life.'Please don’t hurt me. Please.'She had begged him then, a pitiful whimper that escaped from her wolf.Bridget had always known her wolf was strong. But against him, she had been nothing more than a trembling pup—cornered against a fallen trunk while a massive, rabid predator loomed over her.Her fur had already been soaked in blood, her muzzle smeared crimson. She could still see the deep bite marks carved into the side of her snout, feel the tearing pain as if it were happening all over again. And still, he hadn’t stopped. That evening he hadn’t been the man she knew, but a monster driven by something feral and merciless, thirsting to
BRIDGETAtlas eventually drifted away, drawn toward where Velmara danced among the men. A small, knowing smile curved my lips. At last, he wasn’t hiding it anymore, wasn’t pretending that the sight of those men touching the witch didn’t bother him. I hoped he would never feel the need to hide it again. Not his jealousy. Not the feelings he carried for her.Nearby, Tessa and Frederick moved together, their steps unguarded, their smiles unrestrained. Whatever doubts once stood between them had finally been pushed aside. They were loving each other freely now, without pride or fear holding them back. The sight filled my chest with a warmth so genuine it almost hurt. I felt truly happy for them—for both of my siblings.I let my gaze wander from one couple to the next, watching as laughter bloomed, hands intertwined, and bonds strengthened beneath the glow of celebration. Everyone looked as though they belonged exactly where they were.And then, quietly, insidiously, a thought crept in.
BRIDGET“You look beautiful tonight, Luna.”Tessa spun at the sound of my voice, her bluish-violet eyes widening the moment they found mine.“Brie!”I didn’t have time to brace myself before she threw her arms around me, squeezing tight enough to knock the air from my lungs. I wasn’t sure if Frederick had forgotten to tell her I’d be attending the party, but the shock on her face was undeniably genuine.“Tessa, you almost crushed my ribs,” I managed while returning her hug.She pulled back at once, blinking rapidly, her eyes glassy with emotion. “I’m sorry. I just… I didn’t think you’d actually agree to come with us!"“Sorry, I’ve been closed off from everything lately…”“No. Don’t apologize.” She shook her head firmly. “You’re doing well, Brie. Truly. I’m so proud of you. My beautiful sister.”Something in my chest tightened at her words.“Tessa, don’t say that. Y-you’re going to make me cry.” Despite the warning, my lips curved into a smile. A real one, the first I’d worn in days.
TESSA“This is what you’ve been dealing with since last month? And your husband just lets it slide?" Irene demanded, sharp with concern. "Where’s your assistant, Tessa?”I offered her a reassuring smile and told her I was fine, though she wasn’t convinced. She insisted that, being in my first trimester, I should be resting in bed all day instead of running around like this. But I couldn’t bring myself to do that. After the doctor confirmed that the baby was strong and the pregnancy healthy, I’d thrown myself back into my Luna duties as if nothing had changed.Frederick hadn’t been pleased, of course. He wanted me to remain in the mansion, away from the endless stream of meetings and complaints that came with leadership. In the end, we reached a compromise; my office at the central headquarters was relocated to the mansion so I could continue working from home.“But as for the meetings and those people who always find something to fuss about,” Irene continued, crossing her arms, “you s
ODETTEI smiled at him, a shudder of relief constricting my chest.“Y-you… you don’t know how relieved I am to see you,” I breathed, my voice trembling. “I’ve been wandering alone, scared, and numb for days.”I closed the distance between us, my fingers trembling as they brushed along the hard lines of his face. Tears welled in my eyes. For days, confusion had been my only companion. I had sought help wherever I could, only to be met with silence. But tonight, Selene had finally answered my prayer.“Gabe, said something,” I whispered, patting his arm softly when he didn’t respond. He only stared at me blankly, his eyes stripped of warmth and somehow, that emptiness unsettled me more than anger ever could. “Aren’t you happy to see me again?”Before I could finish, he swatted my hand away, roughly.In the next heartbeat, his fingers closed around my arm, iron-tight, his voice a low, dangerous growl. “You…”“Y-yes. It’s me… we’re together now. I’m free. And no, I don’t want us to be apa
GABRIEL“I’ve done my part and helped you as much as I can,” the witch said, her deep violet eyes locking onto mine as her fingers tightened around my hand. “But the final step is yours. If you know the one who’s used you, taking advantage of the mate bond like this, find her. I’ve helped dull your wolf’s instinct to crave what you shouldn't, but you must be the one to end it.”I nodded, a heavy weight settling in my chest.This is the third time we met and she always told me the same thing; that I should reject Odette.Maybe the pain would tear me apart, maybe it would be worse than anything I’d ever felt before. But this was what I had to do. What I should’ve done long, long ago.“I'll pray you can heal from the heartbreak quickly,” she said with a playful wink, though her voice softened with sincerity. “It’s not an easy step to take. But remember, you can always come to me if you need help.”Despite the intimidating aura that surrounded her, her demeanor was surprisingly light, and







